False chaff flower, Haitian basket vine
Chamissoa altissima

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A vine or climbing plant. The stem is thick and woody. The stems are 2-3 m or more long. The branches hang down. The leaves are alternate. The leaves are oval or sword shaped. They are 8-14 cm long by 3-7 cm wide. The edges are wavy. The flowers are in groups at the ends of the branches. These are 4-16 cm long. The fruit is an oval capsule. It is 3-4 mm long. The seeds are brown and shiny with a white covering.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level. ECHO

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Brazil, Central America (country/location of origin), Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Lesser Antilles, Mexico, North America, Puerto Rico (country/location of origin), South America, Suriname, USA, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, West Indies, (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked and eaten. They can be bitter.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Akw'aalil palats, Beju co pedorro, Erva-das-pombas, Quaniqueque

Synonyms

Achyranthes altissima Jacq.;